Armenia Ratifies Russian Gas Deal Despite Protests

The Armenian parliament has ratified a controversial natural gas agreement with Russia, despite widespread protests by the opposition.

Ruling party lawmakers backed ratification of the deal in a vote Monday which was boycotted by members of the country's opposition factions.

Hundreds gathered outside parliament in Yerevan to protest the deal.

Under the agreement, the Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom will gain full control of Armenia's natural gas distribution company ArmRosgazprom. Gazprom previously owned 80 percent of the company and now receives the remaining 20 percent of shares.

Gazprom will also control all of Armenia's gas imports until 2043.

Armenia's Energy Minister Armen Movsisian has said previously that the deal will clear debts Armenia owes to Russia for gas it has already accumulated.

Critics accuse Russia of increasing pressure on Armenia, Ukraine and other former Soviet republics to shun trade deals with the European Union in favor of closer alliances with Moscow.

Protests erupted in Kyiv last month when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych scuttled a European Union trade deal in favor of strengthening economic ties - including a gas deal - with Russia.